Photography can be said to be the art, application and practice of forming pictures through light recording or electromagnetic radiation. This is done either by an image sensor or by the use of a photographic film which is incredibly sensitive.
A Brief History of Photography
The first photographic process recorded was heliography. It was created back in 1842 by a man called Nicephore Niepce. He originally made these images using a piece of bitumen off a substance called Judea. This piece was spread on a silver plate after being exposed for days at a time.
In 1832, they made great strides in reducing the time it took to produce one picture. This was achieved by implementing a lavender oil distillation technique in the process of production. The result-it took a day to produce one picture. Since then photography has come a long way to the point where it’s purely digital. This has afforded us the opportunity to get a real picture in just seconds.
Outdoor Photography
As the name implies, this simply describes the scenery involved with regards to a picture. This basically implies that the images capture mostly the beauties of the outdoors. Outdoor photography may include Travel photography, Sports and adventure, Nature and Landscapes as well as Wildlife shots to mention but a few.
There is indeed a wide range of selection of themes for your outdoor photography shoot.
There are a variety of things that need to be considered when you are planning an outdoor photo shoot. Unlike indoor photography where all variables can be managed, outdoor photography has to consider the spontaneity of Mother Nature. Here are a few things which you need to plan for when contemplating outdoor photography.
Plan for the Weather
The weather is something that is beyond our control. The weather has the most significant impact on pictures taken outside. Be it a portrait or landscape, the weather is something that must be considered when you decide to do outdoor photography. Before venturing outdoors, make sure you’re dressed for the elements. Gloves are essential to keep your hands warm, and this will help you with operating your camera.
Things to Consider
• The cloud cover at the current point in time you wish to take the pictures. This can be provided by weather websites such as www.accuweather.com. When clouds are much high, the colours produced are much brighter.
• Go to the site beforehand and have a little look around, if possible go with your muse. It’ll give you a sense of the place.
• Wind force and wind direction are also factors. If you’re shooting from a low ground/ low perspective its best to go when the winds are low.
• Humidity should also be considered if you want a blurry/foggy shot.
• Pick the right time of day and time of year to take the shot. The reasons vary and with it the large possibilities for a great picture. Pick one that suits you perfectly.
Plan for the Location
The location is probably the most important part of outdoor photography because it tells the whole story. Planning for your location includes a number of things like bringing props to make the location finer or tailor it to your needs.
• Bring your own lighting: As explained earlier, the weather might not favour you always. So it is good to have a backup at hand always, to serve your needs.
• Create your own shade: In situations when you wish to get portrait shots outside, it’s best to shoot them in the shade away from the sun. This way, you can control the white balance and sun exposure.
• Be on the Lookout for Special Conditions: Some random things could happen to cause your location to transform into something beautiful. You could wait for the rain to pass and use the reflections in the newly created puddles to get an amazing shot. A strong wind could blow through rustling the leaves in the area and leaving a spectacular scene for you to shoot. Just look carefully and you will see something amazing to use.
• Go for Less Exposed/ Famous Places: Some places have been overexposed and are a cliché of sorts for pictures. It therefore seems redundant taking the same boring pictures over and over again. Taking pictures in the same old familiar places can lead to the comparison. This is not helpful for growth as an outdoor photographer. Be on the lookout for new and exciting locations. Explore with your camera and find the right places. This will improve your skill dramatically.
Plan with the Right Equipment
Having the right equipment when going for a photo shoot is incredibly important. Some shoots require more equipment than others. For example, a landscape shot would require you carry a tripod so you avoid blurry pictures from standing too long waiting for the right moment, according to BrightHub.
• Carry a tripod along: You never know if you’ll need it!
• Carry the right set of clothes for the trip to your location and the right clothes to be photographed.
• Always pack extra batteries: Be sure to check if they are all fully charged.
• Ensure you have carried a suitable memory card with a large storage capacity. Carry a spare one if it’s available.
• A pair of the extra lens in case you decide to take different types of shots.
Outdoor photography can come out incredibly well if you plan it properly. Luck plays just a small part in outdoor photography. So, get your gear ready and carry out all the research required and you’re good to go. Say cheese! Click!!
